Method for quickly detecting microbial dna/rna, kit therefor and the use of said method

ABSTRACT

A method for identifying microbial DNA/RNA comprising providing a sample containing microbial DNA/RNA; enriching DNA/RNA in the sample by a PCR method wherein the DNA/RNA that is identified comprise copies which are amplified by the PCR method; preliminarily classifying at least one microorganism by identifying the microbial DNA/RNA by a melting curve; adding at least one labeled oligonucleotide whereby temperature-dependent hybridization takes place and identifying the DNA/RNA on the basis of a physical property of the resultant DNA/RNA oligonucleotide complex, such as the temperature-dependence of the hybridization.

The invention relates to a method for rapidly identifying microbial DNA/RNA; to a kit for this purpose and the use of the method.

The rapid identification of microorganisms, in particular the frequently occurring bacteria, viruses and fungi, is of general interest, for example in connection with foodstuffs and also water, criminalistics, etc. However, a particularly important area of use is that of clinical diagnosis, particularly in the case of intensive care patients who are suffering from severe bacterial infections and who are at a high risk of incurring severe organ damage within the context of a systemic inflammatory reaction and of even dying from it. The mortality rate in connection with severe sepsis, septic shock and multiorgan failure is up to 90%. No early parameters, which can be determined in the chemical laboratory and which indicate the beginning of an infection, even of a severe systemic infection, are currently available. Currently available routine parameters of inflammation, such as increase in leukocyte count or increase in C-reactive protein, only respond to a systemic infection with a chronological delay of from 1 to 3 days, are not specific to this infection and may be increased even in the absence of an infection with microorganisms. However, it would be extremely desirable to be also able to rapidly identify microorganisms in connection with local infections, for example eye infections, also after eye operations, which can otherwise even lead to the loss of the eye which has been operated on, parodontitis and also local fungal infections. Early diagnosis of an infection is essential for providing the possibility of early therapy. In particular, it is important to identify the infecting microorganism at an early stage in order to be able to initiate selective antibiotic therapy. However, the conventional microbiological diagnosis by means of propagation and culture detection is not satisfactory in this context. In the first place, this detection frequently takes several days and, in the second place, this type of detection is only possible when live bacteria are present in the sample which is provided. However, since body fluids, in particular blood, possess bactericidal properties, this is frequently not the case even when there is an infection. Conventional microbiological diagnosis therefore suffers from a high rate of falsely negative findings. Rapid diagnosis of an infection, and rapid identification of the infecting microorganism, would therefore mean the possibility of early therapy which was specifically oriented toward the organism which had been found and therefore gave grounds for the hope of being able to exert a favorable influence on the severity of the disease and even on the mortality rate of the disease.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known that bacterial and fungal DNA/ can be amplified nonspecifically by PCR using consensus primers such that, even when only the smallest traces of the DNA/RNA are present, sufficient quantities for detection are prepared from these small quantities (ROCHE LightCycler directions). The double-stranded DNA which has thus been prepared in sufficient quantity for customary detection methods can then be qualitatively, selectively and quantitatively detected as such.

The presence of microbial DNA/RNA can be qualitatively detected, for example, using intercalating agents which only bind to double-stranded DNA and, on binding, emit a signal which indicates binding. Specific detection can also be effected using specific probes which only bind to DNA/RNA of particular species; if a microorganism other than the presumed one is present in the sample, it is then necessary to carry out experiments using different specific probes until one probe fits, that is indicates specific binding. Consequently, current methods only provide information, in the first PCR run, that RNA/DNA of bacterial or fungal origin is present; the specification itself is a further, elaborate process of searching which is only defined by empirical values.

WO 97/07238 describes the amplification of fungal DNA from clinical material (blood) using consensus primers, which, by means of PCR, amplify a region of the 18 ssu rRNA, and subsequent specific identification of the amplified fungal DNA by means of Southern blotting. In order to explain PCR and avoid repetitions, the entire disclosure of this document is hereby incorporated by reference.

In the case of bacteria, consensus primers which bind to highly conserved regions of bacterial DNA, for example the highly conserved 16 S region of the rRNA or else the likewise highly conserved 23 S region of the rDNA, are also known. The corresponding templates can be amplified using suitable consensus primers and the bacterial DNA which has been amplified in this way can then be detected by means of various detection methods (Anthony, Brown, French; J. Clin. Microbiol. 2000, pp.781-788 “Rapid Diagnosis of Bacteremia by universal amplification of 23S Ribosomal DNA followed by Hybridization to an Oligonucleotide Array and WO 00/66777).

WO 00/66777 proposes, as do Woo, Patel et al. in Anal. Biochem. 1998, 259 and in J. Microbiol. Methods 1999, 23-30, using bacteria-specific primers; in this way only amplifying specific bacteria and then determining the melting point of the only double-stranded DNA which has been amplified by the special primers, and which has been labeled with intercalating substances, in this instance usually SYBR GREEN, in order to once again identify the DNA which has been amplified using the specific primers, since the melting points of probe/DNA hybridization products are typical. This is also known for herpes viruses (HSV)—Espyl, Uhl et al. J. Clin. Microbiol. 2000, pp. 795 ff.; this document uses suitable primers for specifically amplifying the thymidine kinase gene of the virus and subsequently uses melting curve analysis to once again verify the amplified DNA which has been identified using the primers. The specific primers which are used in this publication do not bind exclusively to consensus regions but, rather, to quite specific sequences such that only the latter are amplified. It is not possible to use this method to detect the presence of further microorganisms alongside each other.

In J.Clin. Microbiol. 1999, pp. 464-466 “Gram-Type Specific Broad-Range PCR Amplification for. Rapid Detection of 62 Pathogenic Bacteria”, Klausegger et al. show that the DNA/RNA of Gram-positive bacteria can be amplified in a group-specific manner in a PCR using specially designed Gram-positive primers and that the Gram-negative bacteria are not amplified in this PCR, such that it is at least possible to subdivide the bacteria under investigation into Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria.

Klausegger uses conventional microbiological methods for further specifying the Gram-positive bacteria which have been amplified in this way. According to Klausegger, it is at least possible to treat pathogenic bacteria rapidly, with this treatment being directed towards Gram-positive bacteria or Gram-negative bacteria. However, the Klausegger publication does not permit any more precise identification within a short period of time.

The amplification of bacterial rRNA is in no way restricted to the 16S region or the 23S region; it is also known that, in bacteria, it is possible to amplify the “spacer region” between the 16 S and 23S genes in the prokaryotic rRNA using special primers which are suitable for this purpose (App..and Environmental Microbiology, 1993, pp. 945-952); the “spacer region” lies between two highly conserved regions on each of which a primer then lies.

The methods of the prior art consequently only made it possible, in a single PCR, to detect microorganisms using consensus primers, without the microorganisms being classified in any way, or else to detect a single microorganism. An elaborate method was still required for determining the microorganism species since a very wide variety of possible probes had to be tested out or else the determination had to be effected using the customary microbiological detection procedure.

The object of the invention is now to enable microbial DNA/RNA to be quantified and qualified more rapidly than has previously been the case.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by means of a method having the features of patent claim 1.

The following is consequently employed for determining microbial DNA/RNA:

-   -   providing a sample containing RNA/DNA     -   nonspecifically amplifying the microbial DNA/RNA by means of a         PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method using generic consensus         primers     -   analyzing the physical properties of the amplified consensus         sequence (e.g. by carrying out a melting point analysis in the         SYBR Green format or else by binding multifunctional probes)     -   where appropriate, adding a labeled oligo-nucleotide/probe     -   carrying out further specification by analyzing the physical         properties of the DNA/RNA oligonucleotide complex, such as the         temperature dependence of the hybridization, or else by         introducing special probes and using Fltc to analyze the         behavior of the probes when binding to the DNA, for example by         carrying out a melting point analysis of the temperature         dependence of the probe binding behavior, for the purpose of         further specifying the microorganism to be identified.

It is advantageous if the PCR method is a real-time PCR method since this makes it possible, in the same PCR run, to specify the identified microorganism at the same time as quantifying the RNA/DNA which is present in the sample. In particular, the use of the very sensitive and quantitative real-time PCR to detect microbial genomic DNA enables a microbial infection to be detected in the chemical laboratory at a very early stage.

Examples of suitable samples for investigation are body fluids, smears or homogenized tissue and also all other materials in which DNA residues are to be detected. Since, as a rule, the infecting microorganism is a priori unknown, it is appropriate, in the PCR, to use primers which can be employed for amplifying, as nonspecifically as possible, the DNA/RNA which is present in, if at all possible, all the microorganisms which are to be taken into consideration for the diagnosis.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit for rapidly identifying microbial DNA/RNA in samples, comprising decontaminated polymerase; solution containing a standard DNA/RNA concentration of a known DNA/RNA template. In a preferred embodiment, the kit additionally contains at least one DNA/RNA oligonucleotide probe. For use in the method according to the invention, these special DNA/RNA probes can also be sold individually for identifying specific microorganisms.

In addition, the invention also relates to a method or a program as claimed in claim 12. This program enables automated machines which are suitable for carrying out a real-time PCR to also be used for detecting and identifying microorganisms.

The distinctive feature of the method according to the invention is that, with the microorganism being unknown, a nonspecific amplification using consensus primers is first of all carried out, with the DNA segments which are amplified between the consensus primers exhibiting differences which are specific for the respective bacteria. These differences, which are typical for each bacterium, can be used (after nonspecific amplification) for identifying and specifying the microorganism which is actually present.

After the DNA/RNA in the sample has been amplified non-specifically, the infecting microorganism can be identified and specified using a variety of methods, some examples of which are listed as follows:

-   -   A. Reverse dot blot     -   B. DNA/RNA microchip or microarray technique     -   C. Analysis of the melting curve of the total amplified DNA/RNA         sequence     -   D. Hybridization of the amplificate with labeled oligonucleotide         probes, advantageously during a PCR     -   E. Melting curve analysis of the hybridized oligo-nucleotide         probes     -   F. Combination of the methods listed under C-E.         With Regard to A

The DNA/RNA microchip technique is disclosed, for example, in Cnvynne P. and Page G. Microarray analysis, the next revolution in Molecular Biology Science 1999, or in Sinclair B. “Everything's Great When it sits on a Chip—a Bright future for DNA arrays”, The Scientist 1999, May 24,13(11) 18-20.

With Regard to B

Reverse dot blot is known.

With Regard to C

The simplest and most rapid method for carrying out a rough preclassification of the infecting microorganism is that of analyzing the melting temperature of the entire amplificate. This makes it possible to carry out a simple differentiation into groups such as Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria.

With Regard to D

It is furthermore possible to carry out a specification, using special fluorescent dye-labeled oligonucleotides, in connection with performing a real-time PCR. It is furthermore possible to use the combined information from the melting curve analysis of the amplified DNA segments and the behavior when binding to specific oligonucleotide probes for specifying more precisely.

With Regard to E

On top of this, the information which is obtained from the melting temperature analysis of the oligonucleotide probes can also be used for specifying.

With Regard to F

Finally, it is possible to use the information which is obtained from all the abovementioned analytical methods in combination for very precisely identifying the infecting microorganism.

It is consequently possible, by selecting special probes and analyzing melting curves of the hybridization products on the microbial DNA, to determine very rapidly which DNA is present. In this connection, it is not necessary to prepare a specific probe for each bacterium; instead, conclusions with regard to the nature of the microorganism can be drawn with the aid of a few probes and the melting points of the hybridization product. Surprisingly, it is possible, in this way, in only one analytical run on the online PCR, not only to quantitatively detect the microbial DNA but also, following the amplification, to identify a large number of different microorganisms by performing analyses with a few oligonucleotides.

According to one of the claims, a preferred use of the method is that of rapidly identifying microbial genomic DNA in intensive-care patients, in particular. In contrast to the conventional microbiological detection using culture techniques, which as a rule take several days, the method which is presented here can be carried out using online PCR in less than 3 hours. This speeds up diagnosis enormously and consequently provides the possibility of carrying out selective therapy at a substantially earlier time point.

However, the method can be employed anywhere where microbial contamination has to be quantified and qualified rapidly, for example in criminalistics and also in foodstuff testing, etc.

The invention is explained below more specifically with the aid of the accompanying drawing and of examples, to which it is, however, in no way restricted but which are intended to improve understanding of the invention. In the drawing:

FIG. 1: shows melting curves of SYBR Green-labeled total PCR products from 4 bacteria, with the fluorescence intensity being plotted as a function of the temperature and the first derivative of this curve, dI/dT, also being plotted;

FIG. 1 a: depicts the melting points of various bacterial species using SYBR Green

FIG. 1 b: depicts the melting points of patient samples using SYBR Green

FIG. 1 c: depicts the course of the PCR of the patient samples in the SYBR Green format

FIG. 2: depicts the amplification of bacterial DNA by the growing fluorescence signal of a Gram-neg. and Gram-pos.-binding probe at the end of the annealing phase of the PCR cycle;

FIG. 3: shows melting curves of the hybridization product obtained from amplified DNA and a specific fluorescence-labeled hybridization probe for Gram-positive organisms (fluorescence intensity in dependence on the temperature, or the first derivative of the curve (below)).

FIG. 4: shows melting curves as in FIG. 3 but using a probe for Gram-negative organisms

FIG. 5: shows melting curves of the hybridization product obtained from the amplified genomic DNA of various Gram-negative organisms and a Gram-negative probe

FIG. 6 shows melting curves of the hybridization product obtained from genomic DNA amplified with labeled primers and Gram(+) probes

FIG. 7 shows melting curves of hybridization products obtained from Gram-positive hybridization probes and mixtures of Pseudomonas and Staph.epi

FIG. 8 shows melting curves of hybridization products obtained from Gram-neg. hybridization probes and mixtures of Pseudomohas and Staph.epi

FIG. 9 shows melting curves of BAL patient samples (P2 and P4) in the hybridization probe format with ISN2

FIG. 10: shows a diagram of the amplification method using a fluorescein-labeled backward primer

FIG. 11 shows a diagram of the position of primer/probe pairs according to the invention

FIG. 12: shows an alignment of bacterial 16rRNA with the position of primers and probes

FIG. 13: shows the alignment of fungal RNA with the position of primers and probes

A DETERMINING THE MICROORGANISM NUCLEOTIDE

Analyzing the Melting Points of Double-Stranded Nucleotides from Bacteria

Many of the following experiments were carried out using pure cultures of bacterial strains from the following list, which strains are, in the inventors' experience, frequently to be found in hospitals; the “RK” abbreviations employed appear in the drawings, which are print-outs from the Light-Cycler program: Abbreviation Microorganism ATCC number RK1 Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27852 RK2 Klebsiella pneumoniae 9591 RK3 Serratia marcescens 264 RK4 Escherichia coli 25922 RK5 Proteus vulgaris 6361 RK6 Haemophilus influenzae 8142 RK7 = Enterococcus faecalis 11420 RK8 = Enterococcus faecium 19579 RK9 = Enterobacter aerogenes 29007 RK10 = Enterobacter cloacae 27508 RK11 = Streptococcus pyogenes 8668 RK12 = Staphylococcus epidermidis 14990 RK13 = Staphylococcus aureus 6538 RK14 = Bacteroides fragilis 25285 RK15 = Mycobacterium tuberculosis 25177 RK16 = Acinetobacter baumannii 9955 RK17 = Legionella pneumophila 33152 RK18 = Candida albicans 10231 RK19 = Aspergillus fumigatus 1022

FIG. 1 shows the melting curve analysis of the SYBR Green-labeled PCR product from four different bacteria, with the fluorescence intensity of the SYBR Green being plotted as a function of the temperature, or the first derivative of the intensity in accordance with the temperature being plotted (in the lower part of the figure). In each case, DNA from a pure-culture strain of the following bacteria [lacuna] was amplified over YY cycles, as described in ex. [lacuna] and, at the end of the amplification, a melting curve was determined using SYBR Green. The middle of the peak was taken-to be the melting point. FIG. 1 clearly shows that, even when using a consensus primer, in this specific case for the 16 S RNA region, the resulting PCR products, i.e. double-stranded DNA, exhibit physical properties which are different for different bacterial groups, in particular different melting temperatures. This is also evident from FIG. 1 a, which lists the melting points of double-stranded DNA from fifteen of the bacteria which occur most commonly in hospitals. Whereas the melting temperature is in the region of 86.35 degrees C. in the case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the melting temperatures of Proteus vulgaris (approx. 86.9 degrees C.), Serratia marcescens (approx. 87.75 degrees C.) and Klebsiella pneumonia (approx. 88.4 degrees C.) can be clearly distinguished from this. It is consequently already possible, by analyzing the melting temperature curves of the PCR amplificate, to subdivide the groups of bacteria which may possibly be present into at least 4 groups. The reproducibility of the melting curves is excellent, as is evident from the following table:

Reproducibility of the melting points: Bacterium Experiment No. M.p. of the dsDNA Pseudomonas aer. 1 83.36 Pseudomonas aer. 2 86.36 Pseudomonas aer. 3 86.34 Klebsiella pneum. 1 88.49 Klebsiella pneum. 2 88.42 Klebsiella pneum. 3 88.36 Serratia marc. 1 87.78 Serratia marc. 2 87.70 Serratia marc. 3 87.71 Proteus vulg. 1 86.92 Proteus vulg. 2 86.90 Proteus vulg. 3 86.93 Designing Probes/Primer Combinations

Since, according to the invention, microorganism DNA/RNA is amplified nonspecifically, the choice or the design of suitable primers and probes is important for more precisely classifying the microorganisms and thereby implementing the invention. Programs such as the Shareware “GENE-FISHER” program, which can be obtained, for example, from . . . , are helpful in providing suggestions for the selection and/or design of primers and probes. This program looks for DNA/RNA consensus regions and then proposes appropriate primers in accordance with specification or else probes, in accordance with the region specified, and their properties.

Primers

It is known that certain gene sequence fragments within most bacteria or most fungi are essentially identical; these sequence fragments are termed conserved regions. Because of these conserved regions, it is possible to use “consensus primers”, which bind to these regions, to amplify the RNA/DNA of these microorganisms non-specifically, with, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a region which is specific for the microorganism, and to which specialized probes can then bind, having, in this present case, to be located between the conserved regions. Such regions are known, and the skilled person can then seek out suitable regions for primers. It is important that the primers are not too long, inter alia because the desired nonspecificity would then be lost.

According to the invention, use is made of consensus primers which flank a highly variant and highly specific region which is suitable for specifically detecting the microorganism (FIG. 11 and FIG. 12). It can be seen from FIG. 12, which depicts an alignment of the corresponding RNA region in different bacteria, how the primers and the Gram(+) probe XXXX and the Gram(−) probe are positioned. The distance between the two primers is preferably not too great, between about 100 and 250 base pairs, on the template to be amplified, in order to be able to also amplify incomplete, fragmented DNA/RNA pieces which are present in the sample to be investigated. The primers themselves should not be too long, either, since this can lead to internal loop formation and other steric changes and disturbances which have a detrimental effect on the hybridization properties. In the present case, primers containing from about 16 to about 25 bp were regarded as being appropriate.

It has also been found, surprisingly, that, in practice, it is frequently only DNA/RNA fragments which cannot be amplified by large primers, but which are accessible to amplification by short primers, which are present. However, it is important to find these fragments since this can lead to more rapid and effective treatment being possible. According to one aspect of the invention, the primers are labeled, for example the backward primer is labeled with a dye, such as fluorescein, which is capable of fluorescence transfer, in the region of the last base; as a result, all the amplified nucleic acids contain the label at the consensus region for this primer, with preference in this regard being given to using a fluorescent label which is suitable for FRET, such as fluorescein, which can be bound to thymidine.

A consensus region of the 16S region, which has been mentioned here by way of example, is, for example, 16-20 base pairs in length and extends, in the case of E.coli, around bp 350 (see FIG. 12), while the downstream consensus region is located around the base pair 525; the downstream region is followed, seen in the 5′ direction, by a distinguishing region which exhibits strong similarities within the Gram(+) bacteria and the Gram(−) bacteria and is about 3 base pairs in length.

Because of internal loop formation, these consensus primers for the 16S region should be between about 16 and about 25 bp in length. The variable, bacterium-specific, region which is located between the highly conserved regions of the primer binding sites is approx. 132 bp in length and its base sequence is highly specific for the genome of different bacterial species.

In a preferred implementation example, those primers which bind to the 16rRNA region of the Gram-bacterium E.coli in the region of the conserved bp 341-368 region were designed as forward primers (primer length: 16-18 bases) for bacterial 16rRNA, while the pertinent backward primer binds in the region of the conserved bp 518-535 region (primer length: 16-28 bases). This means that the PCR amplicon is up to about 200 bp in length, preferably shorter.

The consensus primers which were selected, in accordance with the invention, for the 16S region are the primers specified in the sequence listing:

PLK1, as the forward primer, which contains 16-17 bp and binds to base pairs 341-368 in E.coli, and PLK2, as the backward primer, which contains 17 bp and binds to base pairs 518-535 in E.coli, or the Rev PLK2, which contains 18 bp (1 guanidine longer than PLK2). FOR, containing 19 bp, or PRIMER A, containing 17 bp, are also suitable as forward primers.

On the basis of the above directions, the skilled person is able, at any time, to find other primers which are suitable for highly conserved regions in microbial DNA/RNA, these regions in turn encompassing multivariant regions which can be used for identifying the species. The above primers are only preferred exemplary embodiments for bacteria if the 16s RNA is to be amplified; if the 23s rRNA region is to be amplified, it is then possible to use these directions to select other primers; this also applies to other highly conserved regions of bacterial rRNA, such as 5s RNA. Finally, the “spacer region” between these regions, for example the region at position 1493-1513 of the E.coli 16s rRNA, in the case of an A1 primer, and the region at position 23-43 of the E.coli 23s rRNA, in the case of the pertinent B1 primer, as specified by Barry et al. in PCR Methods and Applications, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, ISSSN 1054-9803/91, pp. 51-56, can also be amplified. Those primers which fit on C.albicans base pairs 544-563 or bp 1033-1014, and amplify parts of the 18ssu rRNA gene sequence, are suitable, for example, in the case of fungi. Another area is that of amplifying and analyzing the topoisomerase II gene, which can also be used for specifying bacterial species (Ragimbeau et al., J Appl Microbiol 1998;85(5):829-838).

Probes

The probes can, in a manner known per se, be designed for the blotting technique and be labeled or unlabeled. Two related probes can be introduced for detecting a group or species; in a special variant of the invention, they are designed such that they bind adjacent to a consensus region and are labeled with a dye which is appropriate for FRET (fluorescence transfer coupling) at the end adjacent to the consensus region.

In connection with this application, highly specific probes are understood as being those probes which correspond precisely to a particular nucleotide sequence in a microorganism and only bind to this template belonging to a single species.

In the context of this application, group-specific probes are understood as being those probes which bind to a group of species possessing common features, for example Gram(+) probes which bind to Gram(+) bacteria since the binding region of the Gram(+) probe possesses nucleotide sequences which correspond with the region to be investigated in the case of Gram+ bacteria. These probes are adapted to the region and differ, in a few mismatches, from being a complete fit. The same applies to the fungal probe pair HPA and HPS, which, acting in concert, are capable of FRET, that is, when they bind adjacent to each other, they exhibit the FRET effect by means of fluorescence at 640 nm. HPS and HPA are typical representatives of the 2-probe system, which can likewise be employed in the method according to the invention

Bacterial Probes

Group Probes

As can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, at least one of the two abovementioned consensus regions in bacterial 16rRNA is followed, at bp [lacuna] in the case of E.coli, by a Gram(+)/Gram(−) differentiation region which in this case is approx. 3 base pairs in length (Gram-specific region). According to the invention, different probe types are employed.

Probes for the FRET technique are those which are labeled at one end with a dye which is capable of fluorescence transfer, for example RBB 740 or RBB 640 (for example, Light Cycler System—Light Cycler Instrument—description—Section 6—obtainable from Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Sandhofer Str. 116, D-68305 Mannheim, Germany). If the dye-labeled region of the probe comes into the vicinity of a fluorescence-transferring excitable molecule, for example fluorescein, and if the fluorescein is excited, fluorescence transfer of the excited fluorescein then takes place to a dye which can be excited thereby, for example RBB 740, RBB640 or another dye, which dye then emits. The prerequisite for the fluorescence signal is consequently the spatial proximity between fluorescein and the transfer dye; otherwise, there is no effect. In this connection, the fluorescein can be bound to a second probe (2-probe technique), with it then being necessary, for the effect (fluorescence in a particular wavelength region) to occur, for the two probes to bind to adjacent specific regions.

In connection with this application, highly specific probes are understood as being those probes which correspond precisely to a particular nucleotide sequence in a microorganism and only bind to this template belonging to a single species.

In the context of this application, group-specific probes are understood as being those probes which bind to a group of species possessing common features, for example Gram(+) probes which bind to Gram(+) bacteria since the binding region of the Gram(+) probe possesses nucleotide sequences which correspond with the region to be investigated in the case of Gram+ bacteria. These probes are adapted to the region and differ, in a few mismatches, from being a complete fit.

According to the invention, novel probes have now been developed, which probes enable FRET detection to take place even when the probes are used singly. In that which follows, these probes are termed “single probes”.

In this connection, an excitable dye is bound to the last base of the backward primer such that, for example, in connection with an amplification, a fluorescein label at the end of the consensus primer comes to lie on the consensus sequence, corresponding to this primer, of the new RNA at the end of the highly sensitive region. The appropriate probe can now be designed such that it binds to the sequence immediately next to the highly specific region which is circumscribed by the backward primer and is labeled, at its end directed toward the backward primer, with a FRET-excitable dye. Consequently, if the FRET-capable single probe binds in the vicinity of the sequence which is amplified using the labeled consensus primer, it is possible for fluorescence transfer to take place and for the DNA to be detected. As compared with the state of the art, which always required two probes in the highly variable region for the detection, it is only necessary, when using the combination, according to the invention, of fluorescence-capable dye-labeled backward primers and single fluorescence probes, to use a single labeled single probe for detecting the binding of a single probe; the consumption of probes can be substantially reduced.

It is naturally also possible to use probes which are labeled in some other way, for example for the blotting technique, or else probes for the 2-probe technique, if another probe technique is to be carried out (is described below in connection with detecting fungal DNA).

Probes for Gram+ and Gram− Bacteria

It has been found, surprisingly, that relatively short sequence regions which are common to the Gram+ and Gram− bacteria also occur in the highly variable region between the two 16srRNA primer sequences. Probes for one of these two groups consequently have to possess the specific analogous sequence which is common to the microorganism group which is to be detected. If, for example, the identification is to be carried out by way of the 16RNA region in the case of Gram-negative bacteria, the following probes according to the invention are then suitable, for example:

Typical Single Probes for the 16 S RNA of Gram-Positive Bacteria are: ISP2 Containing 30 Bases or ISP Containing 24 Bases

Typical single probes for Gram-negative probes ISN2 containing 28 bases or ISN containing 23 bases.

For example, the single probes ISN2, which are group-specific for Gram-negative bacteria, and which have the sequence, in the 5′-3′ direction, of accgcagaataagcaccggctaacgtgc X, where X=LC640, bind to the bp 467-497 region of the E.coli 16rRNA gene, which region on the 16sRNA gene is the same in the case of essentially all Gram-negative bacteria. Single probes for Gram+ bacteria bind to bp [lacuna] in E.coli.

The group-specific single probes for finding Gram+ bacteria, i.e. ISP2*, binds to the bp 467-497 region of the E.coli 16rRNA gene, which region on the 16sRNA gene is the same in the case of essentially all Gram-negative bacteria.

Both the probes must be used with a backward primer, such as PLK2*which ends at bp 517 in E.coli and is labeled with fluorescein in this region.

The group-specific probes which are used here have been extended beyond the common sequence of the group or exhibit a few mismatches, preferably 1-4 and particularly preferably 1-3 in the case of a probe length of approx. 25-30 bp, such that different numbers of mismatches occur in the case of different bacteria in the microorganism group. These mismatches can then be detected, inter alia, by the hybrids obtained with the DNA amplificates having different melting points and melting curves, thereby enabling the bacterial RNA which is present to be differentiated.

Other examples of organism-specific probes and consensus primers can, with the invention being in no way restricted to these probes and primers, are the oligonucleotides listed below:

List 1

Base sequences, in the 5′ to 3′ direction, of examples of oligonucleotides which can be used as probes and primers: Nucleot. Organism Sequence specific probes, bacteria (5′-3′ direction) SLK 1 E. coli agggagtaaagttaatacctttgctc SLK 2 Staph. epi gaacaaatgtgtaagtaactatgcacg SLK 3 Pseudomonas ggaagggcagtaagttaataccttg SLK 4 Acinobacter baumannii atacctagagatagtggacgttactc SLK 5 Staph. aureus gaacatatgtgtaagtaactgtgcaca SLK 6 Enterococcus faecium gatgagagtaactgttcatcccttg SLK 7 Enterococcus faecialis gacgttagtaactgaacgtcccct SLK 8 Haemophilus influ. tgatgtgttaatagcacatcaaattgac SLK 9 Enterobacter cloacae gacagggttaataaccctgtcgatt SLK 10 Klebsiella pneumoniae cgatgaggttaataacctcatcgatt SLK 11 Serratia aatacgctcatcaattgacgttactc SLK 12 Legionella pneu. ggttgataggttaagagctgattaac SLK 13 Proteus vulgaris tgataaagttaatacctttgtcaattgac SLK 14 Bacteroides fragiles tgcagtatgtatactgttttgtatgtatt SLK 15 Streptococcus pyogenes gtgggagtggaaaatccaccaagt SLK 16 Mycobact. pneum. gtaatggctagagtttgactgtacca SLK 17 Corynebact. Jejuni cactgtgtggtgacggtacctg SLK 18 Enterobacter aerog accttggcgattgacgttactcgc SLK 19 Mycobact. tuberculosis ctctcggattgacggtaggtggag group-spec. probes, bacteria (gram+/gram−) SKNI Gram(−) probe gaggcagcagtggggaatattg ISN2 Gram(−) probe accgcagaataagcaccggctaactccgtgcX, where X = LC640 ISN2* Gram(−) probe ccgcagaataagcaccggctaactccgtX where X = LC640 ISN Gram(−) probe agaagcaccggctaactccgXtgc SKPI Gram-positive probe gaggcagcagtagggaatcttc ISP2* Gram-positive probe, cctaaccagaaagccacggctaactacgtgX, labeled where X = LC705 ISP2 Gram-positive probe, cctaatcagaaagcgacggctaactacgtgcX labeled where X = LC705 ISP Gram-positive probe, agaaagccacggctaactacgXtgc labeled where X = LC705 Forward primers, bacteria, 16 rRNA: PLK1H tacgggaggcagcagt FOR tcctacgggAggcagcagt PLK1 ctacgggaggcagcagt AR3: gcg gtg aaa tgc gta gag at Backward primers, bacteria, 16 rRNA: PLK2H tattaccgcggctgctX REV iFL, labeled gtattaccgcggctgcXtg Primer iFL tattaccgcggctgcXtg, where X = fluorescein AR4: gtt tac ggc gtggactacca Forward primers, fungi: PFUI fungal consensus primer attggagggcaagtctggtg Backward primers, fungi: PFU2 fungal consensus primer ccgatccctagtcggcatag Probes for fungi: specific probes: ScaI Candida albicans tctgggtagccatttatggcgaaccaggac SCKI Candida krusei gtctttccttctggctagcctcgggcgaac SCPI Candida parapsilosis tttccttctggctagcctttttggcgaacc SctI Candida tropiealis gttggccggtccatctttctgatgcgtact Stg 1 Torulopsis glabrata ttctggctaaccccaagtccttgtggcttg SAUI Aspergillus catggccttcactggctgtggggggaacca group-spec. probes: HPA general fungal probe 1 ctgaatgattaatagggacggtcgg-fluorescein HPS general fungal probe 2 LC640-ggtatcagtattcagttgtcagaggtgaaa

While the invention can be realized using the above-listed oligonucleotides, it is in no way restricted to the microorganisms and nucleotides which are listed above by way of example but, as is evident to the skilled person, can also be applied, mutatis mutandis, to other microorganisms using other nucleotides.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 depict possibilities which ensue from using oligonucleotide probes in the PCR. These probes are specific, novel probes: ISN1 for Gram-negative bacteria and the group-specific probe ISP for Gram-positive bacteria. E.coli DNA and Staph.epidermidis DNA are shown as examples. While the Gram-negative probe only gives a signal with E.coli in the PCR, this probe does not give any signal in the case of the sample containing Staph.epi. DNA (upper part of FIG. 2). Conversely, while the oligonucleotide probe for Gram-positive bacteria identifies the gram+ Staph.epi unambiguously, it is negative for the sample containing E.coli DNA.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depict the melting curve analysis for the same probes. An unambiguous differentiation using the oligonucleotides can also be performed with the aid of the melting curves. In addition to this, it is also possible to carry out further differentiation within the Gram-negative bacteria using the melting curve analysis performed on the probe for Gram-negative bacteria.

FIG. 5 shows that a markedly lower melting temperature than that obtained when the probe matches completely (Enterobacter aerogenae and Serratia marcescens) is already obtained when there is one (n=1) mismatch (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

The invention will be explained in more detail below with the aid of implementation examples.

A. Identifying Microorganisms Qualitatively

EXAMPLE 1

Isolating the DNA from Whole Blood:

In order to isolate the free bacterial DNA from patient plasma, whole blood is collected in an EDTA whole-blood tube (3.2 ml; Sarstedt). After having been withdrawn, the whole blood is immediately centrifuged at 2000 g for 3 min. The plasma, forming the supernatant, is carefully drawn off from the cellular components. The plasma is either subjected directly to further processing or stored at −25° C.

All the DNA preparations are carried out using the “High Pure viral Nucleic Acid Kit” nucleic acid isolation kit supplied by Roche Molecular Biochemicals. The centrifugation steps are carried out in a Heraeus centrifuge. An Eppendorf thermomixer is available for the incubations. Eppendorf pipettes are used in the work. All the pipette tips are autoclaved and fitted with filters. (The principle is described by Vogelstein, B. and Gilles in D. Proc. Natl. Sci. USA 76, 615-619, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.).

The following standard protocol is used for isolating DNA from 200 μl of plasma: 200 μl of binding buffer (6M guanidinium chloride, 10 mmol of urea, 10 mM Tris-H Cl, 20% Triton X-100(v/v) in 25 ml, pH 4.4 (25° C.)) and 40 μl of proteinase K solution (90 mg of lyophilized proteinase K+4.5 ml of double-distilled H2O) are mixed with 250 μl of plasma in a 1.5 ml Eppendorf tube and the mixture is incubated at 72° C. for 10 min. 100 μl of isopropanol are then added to the sample which has been treated in this way and the whole is thoroughly mixed. The sample is pipetted into the upper reservoir of the High Pure filter tube and centrifuged at 8000×g for 1 min. The step of washing with i-propanol is repeated. The nucleic acids which are bound in the tube are eluted, likewise at 8000×g for 1 min, using 50 μl of elution buffer. The DNA solution contained in the collecting vessel is either stored at −25° C. or used immediately for the PCR.

Decontaminating the Mastermix:

The 16 S RNA is a highly conserved region within the bacterial genome and is therefore very well suited for the general detection of microbial DNA by means of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, contaminating bacterial DNA from recombinantly prepared reagents is also concomitantly amplified and leads to “background noise” in the method, due to the contaminating microbial DNA being amplified.

Because all commercial Taq polymerases are prepared recombinantly in a bacterial host, and the enzyme is insufficiently purified, the Taq polymerase is itself the main source of contamination with microbial genomic DNA. It is necessary to decontaminate the polymerase, and the mastermix, which contains the reagents which are essential for the PCR, before the template DNA is added in order to reduce what is termed the background noise of the method.

Unless otherwise indicated, all the following reagents are derived from the SYBR Green 1 kit (Roche). Preparing the mastermix for the decontamination in a sterile 1.5 ml Eppendorf tube:

-   -   9.4 μl of double-distilled H20)     -   2.4 μl of MgCl2-stock solution)     -   2.0 μl of CYBR Green 1 mastermix)     -   0.2 μl (corresp. to 1 unit) of enzyme Mbo 1 (New England         Biolabs)

The mixture is briefly vortexed and centrifuged (13000 g, 10 s). There then follow 45 min of incubation at 37° C., during which the restriction enzyme cuts contaminating bacterial template, which can thus no longer be amplified in the subsequent PCR. After this decontamination, the restriction endonuclease is inactivated for 3 min at 95° C. and the mixture is then cooled on ice. After that, 0.5 μl (corresp. to 10 pmol) of each of the PCR primers AR3 and AR4, which do not enclose any hypervariable region, are added. The primers which are used here are obtained from Biomol (Belgium) and purified by HPLC.

The primer sequences are as follows: Forward: AR3: 5′-gcg gtg aaa tgc gta gag at-3′ Backward: AR4: 5′-gtt tac ggc gtg gac tac ca-3′

The mastermix is subsequently briefly vortexed and centrifuged (13000 g, 10 s). After that, 15 μl of the decontaminated mastermix is transferred into the LightCyclet capillary and 5 μl of sample DNA (or standard dilution samples, Sau.) are added. After that, the capillaries are sealed, centrifuged at 1000 g for 10 sec, and inserted into the LightCycler rotor.

EXAMPLE 2

Preparing a Patient Sample (BAL)

A bronchioalvaeolar lavage (BAL) using water—this means that water is introduced, using a bronchoscope, into the lung, for rinsing, and then aspirated once again—was prepared. For this, 200 μl of BAL were worked up using the ROCHE High Pure Viral Nucleic Acid Kit—i.e. they are treated with 200 μl of working solution, consisting of 200 μl of binding buffer (6M guanidinium chloride, 10 mmol of urea, 10 mM Tris-HCl, 20% Triton X-100 (v/v) in 25 ml, pH 4.4 (25° C.)), in which 2 mg of poly(A) carrier RNA lyophilisate are dissolved, and then treated with 40 μl of proteinase K solution (90 mg of lyophilized proteinase K+4.5 ml of double-distilled H2O). After the aqueous proteinase K solution has been added, the whole is thoroughly mixed immediately and incubated at 72° C. for 10 min. After incubation, the samples are treated with 100 μl of analytical-grade isopropanol and mixed thoroughly. A high pure filter tube containing a specially prepared glass material—polypropylene tubes having a capacity of up to 700 μl sample volume and which contain a glass fiber mat—is now inserted into a 2 ml polypropylene collecting vessel and the sample is pipetted into the upper reservoir. The collecting vessel, together with filter tube and sample, is centrifuged at 8000×g for 1 min in a standard bench centrifuge. The flowthrough which emerges from the filter tube is discarded; the DNA remains bound in the filter tube. The filter tube is inserted into a new collecting vessel. The DNA which is bound to it is washed with 450 μl of washing buffer (20 mM NaCl, 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5 (25° C.) in 40 ml of analytical-grade abs. ethanol +10 ml of water), which is pipetted into the upper reservoir and pressed through the tube by the latter being centrifuged at 8000×g for 1 min. This washing step is repeated with 450 μl of washing buffer in a new collecting vessel, with centrifugation now being carried out at the max. speed of the centrifuge, i.e. approx. 13000×g, for 10 s after the centrifugation at 8000 g has been concluded.

After that, the collecting vessel is discarded and the washed filter tube is inserted into a new, nuclase-free 1.5 ml reaction vessel. In order to elute the nucleic acids from the glass surface, 50 μl of elution buffer (nuclease-free double-distilled H2O) which has been heated to 70° C.) are now pipetted into the filter tube and the whole is centrifuged at 8000×g for 1 min. The nucleic acid solution which emerges is immediately subjected to further processing in the PCR (or stored at 2-8° C. for subsequent analyses).

However, the nucleic acids can be isolated using any other suitable method, for example using the MAGNA-Pure appliance supplied by ROCHE, which enables nucleic acids to be extracted from solutions in an automated manner and thereby avoids errors which could arise as a result of sampling/processing which is not automated. The isolation of fungal DNA from whole blood is described, for example, in WO 97/07238, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLE 3

Amplifying the isolated bacterial nucleic acids using-labeled consensus primers and labeled gram+-specific and gram−-specific probes

2 μl of mastermix, 2 μl of Fast Start Mix f. hybProbes-Roche, 2.4 μl of 25 mM MgCl2 in H2O, 10 pmol of PLK 1 primer and 8 pmol of the fluorescence-labeled backward primer IFL are in each case added to 2 μl of sample solution containing Bacteroides fragilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The IFL primer is labeled with fluorescein on its penultimate thymidine base such that the amplified DNA always contains a fluorescein label which is incorporated close to the specific region of the 16S region. The Roche FastStart Mix is preferably used for PCR. 3 pmol of the gram(+) probe ISP2, which is labeled with LC705 on its last guanidine, and 3 pmol of the gram(−) probe ISN2, which is labeled with LC640 on the thymidine at the 3′ end, are added and the mixture is diluted with dist., highly pure H2O to 18 μl.

Mastermix and sample are combined, aliquoted into the PCR capillaries of a Light-Cycler, and centrifuged down into the capillary by centrifugation in a laboratory centrifuge at 800×g for 1 min. The capillary is then inserted in the Light Cycler and 45 cycles are run between 95 and 52° C.

After the amplification, and as a conclusion to the PCR in the Light Cycler, a PCR melting curve is determined while analyzing in the 640 nm channel. The melting curves of the different bacterial DNAs are depicted in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows that measuring in the 640 nm channel gives the amplification products which are specifically detected by the Gram-negative probe, or the hybridization product between this probe and the bacterial RNA, with each different Gram(−) organism giving a different melting curve. Bacterial DNA from Gram(+) bacteria in the same sample can be measured in the 750 nm window when labeling with the Gram(+) probe. Use of the differently labeled probes makes it possible to use 2 probes to detect Gram(+) and Gram(−) bacteria in a sample and to differentiate them on the basis of the melting point.

It can be clearly seen in FIG. 6 that the probe gives different melting curves with different bacterial RNAs, with it being possible to explain the different melting curves on the basis of the mismatches between the probe and the DNA. The differences obtained in the melting curve forms using Gram(−) bacterial DNA make it possible to identify the bacterium which was present in the sample solution in a rather precise manner. In the present case, a first melting curve occurs in the range 40-55° C.; i.e. the probe melts off the Bacteroides amplificate (Bacteroides) at an early stage, with this being followed, as the next bacterium, by Pseudomonas, which has a second, very broad melting curve in the 45-65° C. region. By combining the melting curve analyses, it is possible, in this case, to differentiate the organisms of different bacterial species still further without any additional PCR, or any opening of the capillary for the purpose of adding another reagent, being necessary.

EXAMPLE 4

Detecting Several Bacterial Species from Pure-Culture Strains Alongside Each Other

A 1:4 mixture of Pseudomonas and Staph. epidermidis was prepared and amplified in the presence of the ISP2 probes, as indicated in the previous example. The melting curve in FIG. 7 shows clearly that ISP2 is only able to recognise Staph. epi. and that Pseudomonas does not interfere with the signal from Staph. epi. A comparable conclusion ensues from FIG. 8, where the same experiment was carried out using ISN2; in this case, it is only the Gram(−) microorganism Pseudomonas which is detected, with staph.epi. evidently not interfering with the detection.

It is consequently possible to detect different species alongside each other in one measurement.

EXAMPLE 5

Detecting Fungal DNA from Pure-Culture Strains

Probes/primer combinations which can be used specifically for amplifying/detecting fungal DNA are given in list 1. The method is carried out in an analogous manner to that for detecting the bacteria.

EXAMPLE 6

Detecting and Identifying Bacterial rRNA from Patient Samples

In each case 3 ml of a bronchioalvaeolar lavage (BAL) using water (this means that water is introduced, by way of a bronchoscope, into the lung, for rinsing, and is then aspirated once again), which lavage was in each case obtained from two intensive-care patients P2 and P4 who were suffering from lung problems, were diluted 1:50 with double-distilled water. For information, it may be added that there are no organisms in a BAL obtained from healthy subjects.

The BAL fluid which had been diluted in this way was purified using the High Pure Viral Nucleic Acid kit, as indicated in Example 2.

After that, the sample which had been prepared in this way was aliquoted into different capillaries: Each sample was amplified in the LightCycler, using consensus primers PLK1 and PLK2 in the presence of SYBR Green, and the fluorescence of the double-stranded amplificates, and their melting behavior, was then investigated, after 40 cycles, in the SYBR-Green format. The result is depicted in FIG. 1 b.

As can be seen by comparing with FIG. 1, the melting point of the amplified double-stranded DNA part of P4 which was stained with SYBR Green is identical to that which was measured using a pure culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27852); it is in the same region as Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneum. and staph epidermidis; by means of the PCR/SYBR-Green analysis, it was possible to restrict the possible microorganisms to a few organisms which had to be tested. A comparison with the results of the microbiology, which was able to detect this organism several days after taking the sample, confirmed the results of the PCR/melting point analysis, which was available within one hour.

The sample from patient P2 was likewise amplified with the consensus primers PLK1 and PLK2 and the melting point of the double-stranded product which was formed was then investigated using SYBR-Green; the melting point of the amplified product corresponds to that of Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia marcescens, as can be seen from FIG. 1; the microbiological investigation demonstrated that it was Enterobacter cloacae which was present.

Accordingly, it was possible, within one hour, by means of the method according to the invention, to greatly limit, in the Hyb-probe format, the number of possible microorganisms which in fact had to be specifically tested, with it then being possible to precisely identify the microorganism, for example using specific probes., within a further hour, and a therapy which is geared toward the microorganism can then begin rapidly and effectively.

The same BAL samples from P4 and P2 were also treated with the consensus primers PLK1 and PLK2 and the probe pair ISN2/ISP2 and investigated after the PCR amplification in the Light-Cycler. The result of the melting point analysis of the hybridization product with ISN2/ ISP2 is depicted in FIG. 9. In this case too, it is clearly seen that, in the case of P4, it is only possible to measure a fluorescence of the ISN2 probe (fluoresces at 640 nm) with the shape of the curve corresponding to that of Pseudomonas with the ISN2 probe, as is evident from a comparison with the curve obtained using the pure-culture organism as shown in the same FIG. 9 and in FIG. 6. This made it appear probable that Pseudomonas was present. This is also indicated by the melting point. It is consequently possible to use the ISN2 probe to only find Gram-negative bacteria, that is to exclude the gram(+) bacteria, and then to restrict the choice even more narrowly on the basis of the special melting points of the hybridization product or, in many cases, already to identify the microorganism directly in this run.

The P2 sample exhibited a curve shape which resembled that of Enterobacter cloacae; in fact, the microbiology was once again able to confirm the presence of this organism.

It is consequently possible, according to the invention, to already make a preliminary choice, in the SYBR-Green format and by way of determining the melting points of the amplified product, of organisms which may possibly be present; in the probe format, it is possible to use group-specific probes to make narrower distinctions between possible microorganisms within a very short period of time.

The microorganism could then be identified, using specific probes and their melting point, in a further PCR, as is known, for example, from the Light-Cycler system and the directions for the Light-Cycler instrument. However, the method according to the invention makes it possible to greatly limit the number of experiments which in fact have to be carried out using specific probes, or, in the case of many organisms, whose melting curves have a shape which is so typical that no other melting curve has this shape, makes it possible to avoid any further identification at all.

B. Quantifying the DNA:

In many cases, it is desirable to be able to establish whether the organism burden in the original sample was high, and consequently pointed to an acute infection, or whether it was instead low, that is indicated an infection which had subsided or an infection which was just beginning. It is also necessary to establish whether this organism load could possibly represent normal colonization or whether this colonization with microorganisms is pathogenic. In order to establish these points, it is necessary to prepare an appropriate comparison standard.

Preparing a Standard Dilution Series:

In order to determine bacterial genomic DNA quantitatively, it is necessary to prepare a standard dilution series using known concentrations of template DNA, which is concomitantly amplified in each PCR. The (Roche) LightCycler calculates a regression curve from the fluorescence of the standard dilution samples, with this curve then being used to calculate the concentrations of the samples.

For the standard dilution series, genomic DNA from staphylococcus epidermidis was quantified photometrically at 260 nm. In this connection, an optical density (OD) of 1.0 corresponds to 50 μl of double-stranded DNA/ml. The purity of the samples is ascertained from the OD(260) :OD(280) ratio. A ratio of 1.8-2.0 is regarded as being pure. The DNA is then diluted to 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 fg/μl. 5 μl of each of these dilutions were added, as a template, to the PCR mastermix.

Preparing a Plasmid Standard

It has emerged that a genomic standard is not always optimal for the amplification since, because of the presence of side chains which are methylated to different extents, it is not possible to obtain an amplification which is completely uniform. For this reason, a plasmid standard was evolved.

A PLK product (180 base pairs), that is a product which is amplified by the two PLK primers, is cloned into the Invitrogen vector pCR(r)4TOPO(r) using the TOPO TA cloning kit for sequencing, with the resultant vector being transformed into the bacteria contained in this kit, and amplified in this bacteria, and then isolated from the bacteria and quantified (photometrically at OD 260 nm : 1=50 μg/ml)—see Maniatis or else Shuman, S. (1994), J. Bio. Chem. 269, 32678-32684 and Bernard, P. et al. (1993) J. Mol. Bio. 234,534-541)

The quantification can also be effected using any other suitable method, for example using SYBR Green in accordance with the method of the FHG [Fraunhofer Gesellschaft] for interfacial research, Stuttgart, Germany. The quantified product is diluted and used with water for the calibration curve.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

The PCR is carried out on a LightCycler (Roche) using the Lightcycler Run Software 3.39. An initial denaturation was first of all carried out at 95° C. for 30 sec using a 20°/sec transition rate. This was then followed by 45 cycles of:

-   -   denaturation, 95° C., 1 sec, 20° C./sec     -   annealing, 60° C., 5 sec, 20°/sec     -   extension, 72° C., 7 sec, 20°/sec     -   measurement, 83° C., 0 sec, 20°/sec,     -   (acquisition mode: single).

Following the amplification, the resulting product is analyzed by means of a melting curve. The conditions for this are as follows:

-   -   denaturation, 95° C., 3 sec, 20° C./sec     -   cooling, 60° C., 30 sec, 20°/sec     -   measurement, 95° C., 0 sec, 0.1° C./sec,     -   acquisition mode: continuous

In conclusion, the PCR was terminated by means of a cooling step of 40° C., 30 sec, 20°/sec.

Data Analysis/Quantification

The semiautomated Lightcycler software 3.1.102 is used for the data analysis and quantification of the bacterial DNA. The analysis and quantification take place in three steps and are predetermined by the software:

-   -   1. Establishing the autofluorescence threshold using software in         the arrhythmetic mode     -   2. Establishing the noise band manually using the curves of the         standard dilution series. The noise band is placed in the         log-linear part of the standard dilution series immediately         after the lower inflection point.     -   3. Quantifying the samples using a regression curve which is         calculated from the standard dilution series using the         LightCycler software.

EXAMPLE 7

Using the Blotting Technique/PCR to Determine Bacterial DNA in Plasma from Sepsis Patients

The same procedural steps as in Example 2 were carried out, but using plasma from sepsis patients; however, the PCR reagents were decontaminated in the following manner:

Purification Methods

Since the polymerases which are used for the PCR are mostly of bacterial origin and therefore frequently contaminated with bacterial DNA, it is as a rule necessary to eliminate the contamination prior to the nonspecific PCR in order to prevent decontaminating DNA from being concomitantly amplified and in this way leading to a falsely positive result. It is therefore useful to employ highly pure polymerase or, if this polymerase does not meet the requirements, to decontaminate the polymerase which is used in the PCR amplification before employing it to amplify the microbial DNA/RNA, for example by treating with a restriction enzyme, by means of methoxypsoralen/UV irradiation, or by means of other suitable methods.

Purifying the Bacterial PCR Reagents by Means of Methoxypsoralen Treatment

While it is appropriate to quantify microbial DNA/RNA by means of PCR amplification, the contamination of the PCR reagents with microbial DNA constitutes a serious problem which leads to falsely positive results when a universal 16S rRNA primer is used. In this case, 8-methoxypsoralen, combined with UV irradiation, is used to inactivate the contaminating DNA.

The effect of 8-methoxypsoralen on the PCR agents, in particular on the background noise of contaminating 16S rRNA, is investigated using a real-time PCR system for detecting microbial DNA in the plasma of sepsis patients. In this case, too, all the PCR reactions were once again carried out on the Lightcycler instrument (Roche). Quantification was carried out in accordance with the SBYR Green I method. 25 μg of 8-methoxypsoralen (Sigma)/ml, and UV irradiation (366 nm) for 5 min, were used for the decontamination. The 8-methoxypsoralen was dissolved in 2.5% dimethyl sulfoxide. As a result of the PCR agents having been decontaminated, it is now possible to use the melting curve analysis to distinguish 16S rRNA from amplified

Staphylococcus epidermidis DNA (melting point of the contaminating E. coli DNA 89° C.; melting point of the Staphylococcus epidermidis DNA: 87° C.). Treatment of the PCR reagents with 8-methoxypsoralen and UV irradiation resulted in up to 800 copies of bacterial DNA being eliminated, with it being possible to amplify 400 copies, which were added to a sample after the decontamination procedure, without the contaminating DNA being coamplified.

Treatment of the PCR reagents with 8-methoxypsoralen and UV accordingly leads to a satisfactory elimination of contaminating microbial DNA. The remaining steps were carried out as described in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 8

While the Methods were Carried Out as Described in Example 1, the PCR Agents were Decontaminated as Follows:

Purifying the PCR Agents with DNAse

An alternative method of purifying the PCR reagents is that of using DNAse. In order to purify the PCR agents which lead to falsely positive results in a real-time PCR, and which are derived from microbial DNA during the preparation of the PCR reagents, the PCR reagents are treated with DNAse for 15 min. After that, the DNAse was inactivated by heat treatment at 95° C. for a period of 50 min. Deep-Vent-Exo(−) polymerase and Ampli-Taq polymerase were employed for the polymerase chain reaction amplification using broad-band primers composed of conserved microbial 16S ribosomal DNA nucleotide sequences. The PCR agents which had been decontaminated in this way made it possible to exclude the contaminating bacterial DNA from the PCR reagents.

Using the PCR reagents which had been purified in accordance with the invention, it was possible to determine bacterial DNA concentrations of only 6 pg/ml.

Example 9

Rough Identification of Bacterial DNA using the DNA Melting Curves for Different Bacteria (SYBR-Green)

The Gram-negative bacteria exhibited a melting temperature of between 89.7 and 89.1° C., whereas the Gram-positive bacteria exhibited a melting temperature of between 87.9 and 87.6° C. E.coli exhibits the same melting temperature as the DNA contaminating the Taq polymerase. This indicates that the contaminating DNA originates from E.coli-derived polymerases. In the present case, amplification products obtained from patients suffering from sepsis exhibited melting curves which differed from this background signal. These curves exhibited melting temperatures of 88.1 and 87.2° C. The identification of the bacteria can be refined by hybridizing fluorescence dye-labeled oligonucleotides to the amplified bacterial DNA.

Accordingly, DNA melting point analysis combined with the hybridization of specific, fluorescence dye-coupled oligonucleotides to the PCR product, is an adequate method for very rapidly distinguishing and identifying bacterial species.

Identifying bacteria by combining PCR in the presence of different polyspecific hybridization probes

Detecting E.coli

A PCR was carried out, in the Roche LightCycler and over 45 cycles, on E.coli genomic DNA using the PLK1 primer and the fluorescein-labeled IFL primer in the presence of the RRC-labeled ISN2 probes. After the cycles had been concluded, a melting curve was performed on the hybridized products of the amplified bacterial DNA. A melting curve of the hybridization product with the probe for gram-bacteria was found at the 705 nm wavelength, indicating that the DNA of a Gram-negative bacterium was present. In this case, the maximum of the df/dt curve, i.e. the melting point range of the hybridization product of E.coli with the ISN2 probe, was between about 52 and 66° C.

The same melting curve study at. 640 did not show any melting curve; i.e. the gram(+) probe had not found any DNA from Gram-positive bacteria and did not therefore furnish any signal (see FIG. 6)

Detecting Staph. epidermidis

The same experiment as under 1 was carried out using staph.epi DNA. The hybridization product with the gram(+) probe ISP2 was found to have a melting range of between 50 and 64° C. (see FIG. 7). Since no DNA from Gram-negative bacteria was present, the gram(−) probe ISN2 did not give any signal.

It is, of course, always possible, after a preliminary classification of this nature, to verify the choice once again by means of hybridizing with a species-specific probe, in order to increase the reliability of the method.

Specifying the Amplified PCR Products

An example of the identification of the organism species which is carried out in the second step of the method is the technique of the reverse dot blot. Specification of the organisms is not restricted to this technique but can also be performed, for example, by means of the DNA microchip technique.

EXAMPLE 10

Specifying the Amplified DNA/RNA by Means of Reverse Dot Blotting:

Specific probes were used to identify various microorganisms, i.e. Candida albicans; Candida krusei; Candida parapsilosis; Candida tropiealis; Torulopsis glabrata; Aspergillus; E. coli Staph. epi; Pseudomonas, Acinobascter baumanii; Staph. Aureus; Enterococcus faecium; Enterococcus faecialis; Haemophilus infu.; Enterobacter cloacae; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Serratia; Legionella pneu. Proteus vulgaris; Bacteroides fragilis; Streptococcus pyogenes; Mycobact. pneum.; Corynebact. Jejuni; Enterobacter aerog. and Mycobact. tuberculosis, as can be seen in list 1, after their DNA/RNA had been amplified.

The PCR product of the reaction for quantifying bacterial DNA is labeled, during the PCR reaction, by incorporating digoxigenin-labeled dUTP (fungal DNA is amplified using the consensus primers PFU1 and PFU2, as specified in list 1). After it has been quantified by means of real-time PCR, the PCR product is used for hybridizing to an organism-specific oligonucleotide probe which has been fixed on a positively charged nylon membrane (reverse dot blot). The positive binding of the PCR product to a specific probe (probe design for the bacterial species and fungal species: see list 1) can be detected by means of a chemiluminescence signal on a X-ray film, after binding an antibody and after a substrate reaction.

Materials Required:

Falcon tubes (50/25 ml);

Nylon membrane (for example Roche Diagnostics) (approx. 5×8 cm²).

2 μl each of the corresponding oligonucleotide probes, at a concentration of 100 pmol/μl, and the PCR product, which was labeled by incorporating Dig-dUTP (positive control for the detection), were applied to the dry nylon membrane. The nucleic acids were fixed on the nylon membrane by irradiating with UV (crosslinking with UV light (302 nm, 400 mJoule/cm²))

Prehybridization: (1 Hour)

30 ml of standard hybridization buffer were introduced into Falcon tubes, after which the membrane was inserted and the tubes were incubated at hybridization temperature (50° C.) for 1 hour.

Hybridization: (1 hour)

The DNA of the Dig-dUTP-labeled PCR product to be specified was heat-denatured at 95° C. for 10 min and then cooled on ice. If the frozen (−20° C.) hybridization solution containing labeled DNA is to be reused, this latter is likewise denatured beforehand at 95° C. for 10 min.

The prehybridization buffer is discarded. The filter must not be allowed to dry before the hybridization takes place. 6 ml of heated standard hybridization buffer +40 μl of PCR product are introduced into Falcon tubes and incubated for 1 h. After that, washing is carried out, for 2×5 min at room temperature, with 2× washing solution (2×SSC, 0.1% SDS), and then for 2×15 min at hybridization temperature with 0.5× washing solution (0.5×SSC, 0.1% SDS). After that, the nylon membrane is dried in air or subjected to further detection.

Buffers Used for the Hybridization: Hybridization buffer: 5×SSC, 0.1% N-lauroyl sarcosine, 0.021/o SDS, 1% blocking reagent (casein in maleic acid buffer), dissolved at 70° C. Maleic acid buffer: 0.1 M maleic acid, 0.15 NaCl, adjusted to pH 7.5 with NaOH.

Detecting the PCR Product which is Specifically Bound to the Nylon Membrane

All the incubations take place at room temperature unless otherwise indicated. The membrane is washed briefly (1-3 min) in washing buffer and then incubated for 30 min, with gentle shaking, in blocking buffer; after that, it is incubated for 30 min in 30 ml of blocking buffer in the added presence of 3 μl of Anti-DIG-AP (dilution, 1:10,000). The membrane is then washed twice for in each case 15 min in washing buffer and, after that, for 2 min in the detection buffer. The membrane is then sealed in.(except for one end).

990 μl of detection buffer +10 μl of CSPD (box in the freezer) are mixed in a sterile Eppendorf tube and then applied uniformly to the membrane using a sterile pipette.

The membrane, which had now been completely sealed in, was incubated at 37° C. for 15 min. The sealed-in membrane was then inserted into an exposure cassette and a X-ray film was laid on it (in the dark) and marked, and the cassette was then locked. The X-ray film is exposed for 20-30 min. After the exposure time, the X-ray film is developed. A dark point (dot) on the X-ray film, generated by the chemiluminescence signal, indicates the organism which is present.

Buffers Used for the Detection

Washing solution 0.3% Tween 20 in maleic acid buffer

Maleic acid buffer: 0.1M maleic acid, 0.15M NaCl, pH adjusted to 7.5 with NaOH

Blocking buffer: 10% blocking reagent in maleic acid buffer

Detection buffer: 100 mM Tris-HCl, pH 9.5; 100 mM NaCl

While the invention was explained with the aid of preferred implementation examples, it is in no way restricted to these examples but, instead, extends to all the implementation forms with which the skilled person is familiar and which come within the protective scope of the claims. 

1. A method for identifying microbial DNA/RNA, characterized in that a sample containing RNA/DNA is provided; DNA/RNA in the sample is enriched at least one labeled oligonucleotide is added and temperature-dependent hybridization takes place the DNA/RNA is identified on the basis of the physical properties of the DNA/RNA oligonucleotide complex, such as the temperature-dependence of the hybridization.
 2. The method for identifying microbial DNA/RNA as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: the sample containing microbial DNA/RNA is enriched by means of a PCR method; and the DNA/RNA copies which have been amplified by the PCR are identified.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the PCR method is a real-time PCR method and the quantity of microbial DNA/RNA in the initial sample is thereby determined.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that a preliminary classification of the at least one microorganism is carried out for identifying the microbial DNA/RNA by way of the melting curve.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that a reverse dot blot, using suitable DNA/RNA probes, or a DNA chip/DNA microarray is employed for identifying the microbial DNA/RNA.
 6. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, before being employed for amplifying the microbial DNA/RNA, the polymerases which are used in the PCR are decontaminated, for example by restriction enzyme treatment or by means of methoxypsoralen/UV irradiation.
 7. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sample to be investigated is body fluid, smears or tissue.
 8. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the oligonucleotides [lacuna] with FRET-suitable dye-labeled probes and the Lower Primer exhibits a dye which is capable of being transferred and which is suitable for FRET, with the probes and primers being designed such that they bind to adjacent regions of a sequence to be amplified.
 9. A kit for rapidly identifying microbial DNA/RNA in samples, characterized by decontaminated polymerase and a solution containing a standard DNA/RNA concentration of a known (template) DNA/RNA.
 10. The kit as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that it furthermore contains at least one optionally labeled consensus primer pair, in particular having a length of up to about 23 base pairs.
 11. The kit as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that it furthermore contains RNA or DNA probes which may be labeled.
 12. The use of the method as claimed in one of the claims for rapidly identifying microbial genomic DNA or RNA.
 13. The use as claimed in claim 12 for diagnosing bacterial infections, such as sepsis, or fungal infections, or in foodstuff monitoring, water monitoring or applications in veterinary medicine.
 14. A program for identifying DNA/RNA in an automated machine during a PCR in the presence of at least one labeled DNA/RNA probe which, on binding to the DNA/RNA, produces an optical signal which is typical for the binding, comprising the following steps: introducing the specific DNA/RNA probe, obtaining and storing experimental values of signals which are specific for the binding of the DNA/RNA probe to DNA/RNA segments in dependence on the temperature during a PCR method; calculating the first derivative of the optical signal I with respect to the temperature, i.e. dI/dT, and storing the curve form (melting curve) of the fluorescence signal; and comparing the dI/dT curve form for the specific probe with a stored table of values in which typical values for particular microorganisms are filed; and selecting the curve form which is most similar to the experimental values in a selected region; and outputing information with regard to at least one microorganism species which has been determined on the basis of the similarity of the measured and stored curve forms. 